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We’ll see some sunshine today before clouds return overnight and a good chance of a wet Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Look for a high today of 57.
Until last week, Adam Sullivan served as Nevada’s state engineer, overseeing water management in the nation’s driest state. That changed when state officials confirmed his termination — a rare move for a position that typically spans multiple administrations.
Sullivan told The Nevada Independent’s Tabitha Mueller he was fired after months of escalating disagreements with the Lombardo administration and department leadership over water decisions, timelines, and public meetings. He said he faced pressure to delay, accelerate, or reverse rulings, particularly involving water management in the Humboldt River Basin. Sullivan is the first Nevada state engineer fired since 1981.
State officials say they are seeking a new direction, as debates continue over groundwater pumping, senior water rights, and possible curtailment — issues with major economic and political implications across Nevada.
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| Former state engineer Adam Sullivan |
After a multitude of delays the County Commission finally decided to move forward with hiring Reck Brothers to complete the badly botched Duck Pond project on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Tim Pauley voting against the project. While Commissioner Pauley said he had no problem with the project, he had an issue with the design engineers hired by the previous commission. Pauley once again brought up the 99-year commitment to maintain the pond, an issue that the commissioner raises on every SNPLMA-funded project. Commissioners bristled at having to spend up to $400,000 out of pocket to complete the project, originally awarded to bankrupt contractor JCR and engineered by CivilScience, who Pauley says had never done a project like this.
The commission also voted to re-advertise the Golf Course Director position but also asked to be sent the existing contract for Golf Pro Randy Long, claiming they had never seen the contract he had been offered prior to resigning back in July.
The Commission also voted to accept the offer on the house at 27 Connors Court for $227,000.
The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office reports a busy stretch from Thursday through Saturday, with multiple incidents across the county and within Ely.
Deputies handled several juvenile-related calls, including a missing student later located and released to a parent, a vaping incident at a school referred to juvenile probation, and a juvenile arrested for DUI and driving without a license, leading to the arrest of an adult for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Law enforcement also responded to reckless driving complaints, property damage, vandalism, fraud involving a phone scam, animal and traffic hazards, and multiple accidents involving vehicles and wildlife.
Several DUI arrests were made over the three-day period, along with reports of a subject with a gun, a dog bite, and suspected burglaries that were later cleared. Jail bookings included arrests for reckless driving, DUI, and child neglect, with investigations in some cases still ongoing.
Nevada regulators are once again taking aim at NV Energy, with the Public Utilities Commission proposing a one-million-dollar fine against the power company. The PUC alleges NV Energy violated Nevada’s One Call Law in 2022 by failing to call 811 before digging, causing about $50,000 in damage at two Las Vegas intersections, then improperly trying to pass those repair costs on to customers.
The commission says it’s the fifth such violation since 2023. NV Energy disputes the size of the penalty, calling it excessive and proposing a $75,000 fine instead. The case unfolds as the PUC faces separate legal challenges over new power rate policies.
Mt. Wheeler Power is opening nominations for three seats on its Board of Directors. Beginning January 5, members in District 1 in Ely, District 3 in McGill, and District 7 in Eureka may apply to run for the board.
Candidates must live in the district they seek to represent, be members in good standing, and meet cooperative bylaw requirements. Nomination packets are available at Mt. Wheeler Power offices in Ely and Eureka or online at mwpower dot net.
Completed petitions, including 15 valid member signatures, are due by 4 p.m. on February 5. More information is available by contacting Mt. Wheeler Power.
Nevada drivers are getting some welcome relief at the pump this holiday season. AAA reports the average gas price in Las Vegas is $3.49 a gallon, nearly 50 cents lower than last month, dropping Nevada to sixth-highest in the nation.
An unexpected Christmas treat for travelers - including your newsman - this weekend in West Wendover. Several gas stations had prices below $2 per gallon, with the new Truckstops of America the lowest at $1.75 per gallon for 85 octane Unleaded with the neighboring Maverik at $1.87 per gallon.
AAA says winter typically brings lower demand, helping keep prices down even with holiday travel picking up. With gas prices continuing to slide and crude oil hovering near $60 a barrel, analysts don’t expect any major spikes as millions of Americans hit the road through New Year’s.
The Powerball jackpot is soaring, rocketing up to an estimated $1.6 billion, making it the fourth-largest prize in Powerball history after yet another drawing Saturday night came and went with no grand-prize winner. The winning numbers were 4, 5, 28, 52 and 69, with a Powerball of 20.
That eye-popping jackpot now carries a cash option of $735.3 million, and it also ranks as the fifth-largest lottery jackpot ever in the United States.
While no one hit all six numbers, there were still big winners. Eight tickets matched five numbers to win $1 million each, including one sold in California, where prize amounts can vary. Another 112 tickets scored $50,000, and 22 more tickets won $150,000, keeping plenty of players celebrating as the jackpot climbs even higher.
Friday’s trip to Needles was a rough one for the White Pine Basketball teams with the Bobcat Boys falling 71-25 and the Ladycat Girls falling 48-23, the Ladycats first loss of the season.
Saturday’s trip to Lake Mead Christian Academy saw the Bobcats fall 42-27, but the Ladycats got back on the winning track with a 42-6 win over Lake Mead.
The White Pine High School wrestling team turned in a championship performance at the third annual Salt Flats Scuffle in Wendover, held December 19th and 20th.
The boys team captured first place overall, powered by individual titles from Cooper Reed, Vince Cato, Matt Ellis, and Maddox Sedlacek. Strong runner-up finishes came from Jacob Reynono, Brogan Jackson, Talviano Sifre, Cainen Sedlacek, Jake Hall, and Marshall Miller, while Yvo Guevarra, Landon Neilson, Craig Reed, and Aiden Bradley also added valuable points with top-four finishes.
The Lady Bobcats also delivered impressive results, with Julianne Hughes and Aubree Sumrall bringing home first-place finishes. Livi Weiland placed second, while Brooklynn Reed, Lizzie Coca-Jensen, and Mikayla Garcia each earned third-place medals, and Connie Gunter finished fourth.
Overall, it was a standout weekend for White Pine wrestling, with strong performances across both the boys and girls teams at one of the region’s toughest early-season tournaments.
Ho ho ho—Nevada is officially ready for Santa’s arrival. The Nevada Department of Agriculture says Santa’s full reindeer team has been cleared for landing, after meeting the same animal health requirements required of any animals entering the state.
State Veterinarian Dr. Peter Rolfe reports Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen—and of course Rudolph—are all healthy and ready for Christmas Eve deliveries. With all hooves cleared and noses glowing bright, state officials are wishing Nevadans a safe and happy holiday.